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International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide
International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide


Kart Expo International
ExhibitorInformation and Show Directions

 

FYI
09-18-04
    HURRICANE RACING SOLD - CHAMPAGNE RETIRES FROM KARTING
    Hamilton, Ontario, Canada — One of Canada's long time kart businesses and race teams has been sold to Team Hurricane of Hamilton, Ontario.

    After some considerable thought and soul searching Andre Champagne, President of Hurricane Racing has decided to sell the majority of it's assets to Bob Cameron, president of Team Hurricane. Team Hurricane will remain as an ongoing brand and remain based at the Hamilton location.

    “I have been involved in Karting for over 20 years now, said Champagne. The long hours and heavy travel commitments can take their toll and after turning fifty this past summer I realized I wanted to spend more time with my wife and family. Although I will be retiring from the karting business I will be exploring other business interests and opportunities.”

    Champagne continued, “It is also a critical time in my son Matthew's professional racing career and I wanted to have more time to dedicate to him so he can reach his goals
    as a professional car driver. I would personally like to thank all of the fine karting people I have had the honor of meeting along my journeys and look forward to seeing you again
    at a race track soon.”
     
     

    IRON ROCK RACEWAY NOW ACCEPTING CHARTER MEMBERS
    Austin, Texas — It's finally time. Iron Rock Raceway is accepting its first 60 Charter membership applications in preparation for our opening January 15, 2005. 

    “It's hard to believe we've come so far in a single year, but clubs can't survive without members. That's why I'm asking for your help,” said Laura Wright, Director of Marketing.

    “This is a really exciting time for us here in Austin. The Airport is behind us, the press is embracing the sport and people on the street are fascinated by it. We've got all sorts of wonderful plans for 2005. Now we need to get our first 60 members so we can take off,” Wright said.  

    Iron Rock Raceway Bylaws 
    Organization and Purpose: 
    Iron Rock Motorsports, Inc. is a corporation registered in the State of Nevada. Iron Rock 
    Motorsports, Inc. will own and operate a karting club to be known as Iron Rock Raceway 
    in Austin, Texas. This facility will be comprised of a semi-permanent race track to be 
    used for motorsports racing and a clubhouse provided for the use of the club’s membership and its guests. This will be located within the property owned by the City of Austin and operated by Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA). 

    Iron Rock Raceway has a five (5) year renewable lease with ABIA for the use of this property. In additional, Iron Rock Raceway and Iron Rock Motorsports, Inc. have lease options that provide for expansion within and beyond the initial five- (5) year lease term. 
    Iron Rock Raceway operates as a “for profit” semi-private membership club. Primary sources of income for this facility are through one-time membership initiation fees and monthly dues paid by the club’s membership. 

    The club operates for social and recreational pursuits and other purposes. No part of the net earning, dividends, or income of any form or fashion will be paid or distributed to a member, except upon the total dissolution of the club. Upon total dissolution of the club, the assets shall be divided among “members in good standing” in proportion to the initiation fee schedule on the date of dissolution. 

    Iron Rock Raceway will employee a professional full-time staff to accommodate the needs of the club’s membership. A variety of services will be offered including race track practice, membership-only club races and regional and national races. Iron Rock Raceway members may select optional services that include race equipment storage, private indoor pit areas, private lockers and outdoor trailer storage at an additional charge. 

     
    Membership Initiation Fee: 
    As of September 1, 2004, the Membership Initiation Fee is a one-time charge of $5,000, 
    50 percent of which is due as down payment the membership application is submitted. 
    This down payment is fully refundable if the applicant’s membership is denied to Iron Rock Raceway. The initiation fee balance is due when the applicant’s membership is accepted and prior to the new member using Iron Rock Raceway facilities. 

    Memberships for Iron Rock Raceway are designed to allow participation by all immediate family members residing in the same household and under the age of 22 years. There is no limit on the number of family members who can be listed on the membership. The $5,000 initiation fee applies to as many people listed who meet the criteria established as “Family.” Should a member’s immediate family change, Iron Rock Raceway should be notified within 30 days. Examples of such a change include, but are not limited to, a birth or legal adoption, a dependent child reaching age 22, divorce or legal separation. 

    Members may bring one guest per day visit, for a total of 12 guests in a single member year. Guests will have access to all services accorded full members, excluding conference room reservation, at a cost of $25 per visit. This charge will be reflected in charges for “optional services” due each month. (See Membership Monthly Dues.) Membership Initiation Fees are not refundable except under the following provisions allowing membership transfer: 
     
    1. The member family seeking to transfer a membership to someone else must be in good standing with the club, and all charges must be paid current. 

    2. A request for membership transfer must be made through the Iron Rock Raceway membership office. 

    3. Transfers will be accommodated only where the total Iron Rock Raceway membership is in excess of 200 members. 

    4. When criteria 1, 2 and 3 have been met, the original member will be reimbursed fifty percent (50%) of the amount that was originally paid for his or her membership. Iron Rock Raceway will retain the balance as a membership transfer fee. 

    Membership Monthly Dues: 
    In addition to the one-time Membership Initiation Fee, members must pay monthly dues. 
    As of September 1, 2004, base monthly dues are $150.00 per month per family membership. 

    Additional service options are also available and can be billed on a monthly basis. These include: 
    $50.00 per month 
    $0.75/sq. ft. per month 
    $100.00 per month 
    $15.00 per month 
    $25/day 
    • Indoor stacker storage of race equipment: 
    • Private indoor trailer/pit space: 
    • Outside trailer storage/12’ x 25’ blocks: 
    • Private locker in locker rooms: 
    • Member guest charge 

    Members of Iron Rock Raceway will be invoiced monthly for base membership dues and any optional services subscribed for during the prior month. Monthly dues not paid within 20 days of the invoice date will cause a member’s status with the club to become “inactive.” At that time, all club services and accommodations will be suspended until the member’s account is paid current. 

    Use of Iron Rock Raceway and Facilities:
    Members in Good Standing are entitled to use all of the assets of the Iron Rock Raceway facility at any and all times of normal business operation, with the exception of computers and other office equipment considered essential to club management by its employees. 

    Iron Rock Raceway will initially be open Tuesday through Sunday each week. Normal operating hours will be established based on membership input. Any member may request access to the Iron Rock facility during hours outside the stated normal operating schedule and every attempt will be make to accommodate those requests. 

    As a condition of the lease agreement between Iron Rock Raceway and Austin Bergstrom 
    International Airport, it may become necessary for ABIA to re-assume temporary use of the track portion of the Iron Rock facility to accommodate overflow airport parking. 

    While not historically necessary, such an event would most likely occur during the months of November, December and March. The Iron Rock Raceway Clubhouse will remain open and accessible to members during these periods. Members of Iron Rock Raceway must be aware of and accept this possibility as a condition of membership to Iron Rock Raceway. 

    Rules and Regulations:
    1. Kart racing is a non-contact sport; this cannot be emphasized strongly enough. We do not tolerate any bumping and or blocking. If you are unable to pass a kart, this is no excuse for contact. 

    2. If you are shown the blue flag, pull to the right when it is safe to do so (within one lap of being shown the flag) and let the faster kart through on the left. Be aware; it is possible that there may be more than one kart passing. 

    3. If either the yellow flags or lights are shown, raise your hand, drive in single file and be prepared to stop if required. There is to be absolutely no racing or passing under yellow. When you are clear of the incident and can see that there are no yellow flags or lights showing at the next post, you may return to racing speed and resume racing. 

    4. If the red flags or lights are shown, stop as soon as it is safe to do so. 

    5. Once the checkered flag is waved, the race is over – as soon as you cross the start/finish line, stop racing immediately and slow down prior to entering the pits. 

    6. Stay inside of the kart at all times when out on the track. If you spin the kart and are unable to rejoin the race, wait for a track marshal to assist you. Under no circumstances should you attempt to get out of the kart or push yourself away from the barriers with either your hands or feet. 

    7. Anyone driving aggressively, beyond their own ability or without regard for our rules or the safety of all involved will be warned or penalized depending upon the seriousness of the incident and any prior incidents. Penalties will range from a verbal warning to the removal of a driver and/or team from the event. 

    8. If you receive a warning or penalty, please remember these rules are intended to ensure the safety of all involved, which, at the end of the day, is more important than anything else. Please do not respond aggressively or abusively as this will only lead to your exclusion from the event or practice session. 

    9. If you receive a warning, acknowledge that you have received the warning so that the track staff knows that you are paying attention and that you understand what you did wrong. When entering the Penalty Box, raise a hand to let the following drivers know that you will be slowing down. 

    10. As in most sports, the decision of the Official (the designated Track Manager) is FINAL. Listen carefully as to why you have received a penalty and wait out your time. Do not argue or verbally harass the marshal, it will not be tolerated. He will make that decision based on the reports from the corner workers who witnessed the incident. As in all forms of sport, it is possible that a mistake will occur – do not compound this error by arguing and elongating your penalty. 

    11. Anyone displaying any aggression - physical or verbal - toward officials or other participants will be removed from the race facility immediately. 

    12. Due to safety and sanitation concerns, no pets will be allowed on premises. 

    For more information on Iron Rock Raceway, contact Laura P. Wright, Director of Marketing at laura@laurapwright.com or call 512/349-9165 or 512/461-5777 cell.
     
     

    EASY KART PARTNERS WITH JACKSONVILLE FOR PHONE 1 GRAND NATS
    Miami, FLORIDA — The Easykart America Grand Nationals presented by Phone 1 proudly announced today a partnership with Jacksonville Karting complex to host the 2004 Easykart Grand National Finals at the Jacksonville, Florida facility, October 2-3.

    National Championships in each of the 4 Easykart classes - Easy60, Easy100, Easy125 Light and Easy125 Heavy - will be up for contention, as top karters from the USA, Colombia, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Aruba, and Mexico come together and compete for the recognition as the best Easykart Driver in the Western Hemisphere.

    Easykart Drivers and their crew will move into the facility starting Friday October 1st. On Saturday, competitors will practice all day in preparation for Sunday morning qualifying, to be followed in the afternoon by Pre-Final heat races. The finals in all four classes will be held on Sunday. There will also be an unofficial open practice on Friday October 1st for those drivers who want to bet tern familiarize themselves with the track.

    Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each class. In addition, awards will be contended for a paid trip to the Easykart World Finals to be held on October 16th and 17th in Arce (FR) Italy. In total, Easykart competitors have the opportunity to compete for over $50,000.00 in awards and prizes.

    "This event promises to be the most exiting event in Easykart history" says Salomon Bendayan, COO, Easykart America. "this is a rare opportunity where drivers from all over the western hemisphere can compete against each other in equal equipment. The Easykart World Finals promises to be the most competitive Easykart race to date" added Pablo Montoya. CEO Easykart America.

    Phone1 is a telecommunications service provider based in Miami, Florida. Our goal is 100%.customer satisfaction, and we work hard every day to ensure that every call from every one of our payphones reaches its destination. We believe that all consumers should have access to the lowest price available for making domestic and international calls - That's why we've teamed up with some of the country's premier payphone operators to offer the absolute best quality at some of the lowest rates possible. . For more information on
    Phone 1, you can visit their web site at www.phone1.com or call them at 1-866-674-6631.
     
     

    HINCHCLIFFE CLAIMS BMW ROOKIE CUP
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Canadian Karter, 17-year-old James Hinchcliffe (Franczak Enterprises / AIM Autosport / #56) scored a third place result is Saturday’s Formula BMW event to claim the BMW Rookie Cup and the honor of ‘Rookie of the Year’ in Formula BMW USA competition. With the final round being held at the 11 corner 2.238 mile Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterrey, CA, Hinchcliffe had a slim opportunity take both the Rookie Cup award and the overall series championship.

    Hinchcliffe proved to be very fast in Friday’s test sessions ending the morning in the top five in times. With qualifying for Saturday’s event on Friday afternoon, it was down to business early. Hinchcliffe was looking to put his AIM Autosport BMW on the pole as he held the point for most of the session. Many drivers took a shot at the talented Canadian but were unable to match his speed until the final circuit when two of his closest rivals slipped by and relegated James to P3.

    Looking to improve his starting position for Sunday’s event, Hinchcliffe and the rest of the BMW competitors hit the track early Saturday morning. Taking information learned from Friday’s sessions, Hinchcliffe improved his time and would start the final event from the outside of the front row.

    “I would have liked to been on the front row for both events” explained the Oakville, ON resident. “We had a great car and I was held up on my final lap of the first qualifying session. I think we could have gone faster. My main goal is the Rookie Cup and then the championship so I will have to be cautiously aggressive in the race.”

    As the green flag flew for the start of the next to last round in 2004’s BMW competition, Hinchcliffe got a good jump as the field filed into the tricky turn one. Being able to maintain his starting position, Hinchcliffe circuited the course for several laps before he and a fellow competitor swapped 2nd and 3rd positions several times. As the epic battle wore on, Hinchcliffe was once again focused on the prize but had to settle for third, thus claiming the Rookie of the Year title and the BMW Rookie Cup. 

    Sunday morning provided Hinchcliffe with a different car setup than Saturday’s race. In a phone interview from the track, Hinchcliffe explained that he was not happy with his car in the first round of the weekend and to gain time on the pole sitter they would have to hit the setup perfectly. In the morning warm up the AIM Autosport squad seemed to have done just that as he was the quickest driver on the circuit. Pushing the car to the limits each lap, Hinchcliffe had a devastating accident the completely destroyed the front wing, rear wing and the right side of the race car.

    “The car was bad after the crash.  It was so devastating to have that happen on the last day of the last race of the season, but hey, that’s racing!”  With the sustained damage the team went to work not knowing if they were going to be able to get the car completed in time. With the car nearly complete Hinchcliffe suited up as the final piece of bodywork was replaced ten minutes before the final call to the starting grid.  “The team worked so incredibly hard to get everything together on the car.  I owe so much to them for this entire year and they did a fantastic job of getting the car back together so we could make the race after my mistake in the morning.  I would like to thank everyone in Formula BMW who offered assistance and parts to the team and myself after the accident.  It was so nice to see the softer side of the sport.” Determined to give it a shot the newly crowed Rookie of the Year climbed in the car and started the event.

    With the heavy hit, the setup on Hinchcliffe’s car was off as he ran around in the third position. Showing his sportsmanship, Hinchcliffe let the competitors who were quicker than him by to ensure that he would not impede in their battle. Just trying to bring the car home in one piece, Hinchcliffe crossed the line in the 11th position. Though this was not the ending to a successful season that Hinchcliffe had hoped, the talented Canadian turned a lot of heads as he looks to move up the motorsports ladder.  
    At the beginning of the season Hinchcliffe was awarded Formula BMW Scholarship award and a shot to compete in North American competition. James joined the AIM Autosport squad and was considered as one of the most consistent drivers on the circuit finishing inside the top five at twelve of fourteen events. In his rookie season Hinchcliffe claimed three victories and 4 pole positions on the way to being named the Rookie of the Year and obtaining the BMW Rookie Cup. James would like to thank all the people that made this season possible including Franczak Enterprises, AIM Autosport and his parents, sister and brother.

    Sponsors, spectators and fans can track James’ progress by visiting the Formula BMW USA website at www.bmw-motorsport.com or James’ personal racing website at www.jameshinchcliffe.com.
     
     

    FOR MORE NEWS, GO TO “NEWS BRIEFS” ON THIS SITE.
     
     

    END
     
     
     


Kart Marketing Group, Inc.
Post Office Box 101
Wheaton, IL 60189 USA
Telephone: 630-653-7368
Fax: 630-653-2637
Email: karting@msn.com

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